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Close-up of a soft ginger molasses cookie with a bite taken out, showing its chewy texture
Callie Brooks

Ginger Molasses Cookies

Chewy in the center, crisp on the edges, and packed with deep, spiced holiday flavor — these ginger molasses cookies are a nostalgic treat you’ll want to bake every winter season.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup light-flavored molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer or stand mixer
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • baking sheets
  • parchment paper
  • wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add molasses and beat to combine. Then add the egg and mix until fully incorporated and airy.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until a thick dough forms.
  6. Place granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop dough (about ¼ cup), roll into balls, and coat generously in sugar.
  7. Place cookies on baking sheet 2–3 inches apart. Press lightly with damp fingers to flatten slightly.
  8. Bake one tray at a time for 10–15 minutes until edges are set and tops are crackled.
  9. Cool cookies on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 180IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Use dark brown sugar for richer taste. Chill dough if your kitchen is warm to prevent overspreading. For more spice, add ground cloves or orange zest. Freeze dough balls ahead to bake fresh on demand. Avoid blackstrap molasses for a milder flavor.

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